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Two new touring bikes by Wayward Bicycle Company

For Wayne Chapman and Richard Powell of bicycle importer Dirt Works, designing their own range of bikes has been a dream three decades in the making. Now, with the launch of the Wayward Bicycle Company, the two are about to realise that dream when they introduce two new touring bikes to the country this July.

“The first shipments arrive in about 45 days. The samples are finally here though and we're so proud of the end result,” Wayne told Cycle Traveller.

With cycling and long-distance touring in their blood, the pair started Dirt Works back in 1994, bringing in some of the industry's most popular touring bikes – such as the Surly Long Haul Trucker. But after such a long time selling overseas brands in Australia, Wayne and Richard wanted to develop their own Australian-designed bicycles, and they have started with their passion: touring bikes.

“We've put a lot of ourselves into these bikes. A lot of personal experience, plus a lot of dealer and consumer feedback,” Wayne said. “Our bikes are what some would call utilitarian. But that doesn't mean they should look like a toolbox. Wayward bikes are reliable, adaptable, handsome and as individual as the rider.”

The two touring bikes to be released in July are a classic rim brake, steel frame tourer called the Nullarbor, and a steel frame disc brake tourer called Cape York.

Wayne said the bikes were named after places he and Richard had personally toured, a theme they would continue with their future models.

The bikes have been designed to fit an attractive price point, with the Nullarbor to retail at $1,399 and the Cape York at $1,599. The sturdy Reynolds tubing frames come with bar-end shifters and a reliable mix of Shimano components, including cranks and Deore deraillures. Cyclists looking to run higher specs on these models can purchase the frames for $499 and $639, respectively.

They also include handy touring features such a spare spoke holders and a kickstand plate.

“Also, I wanted to include some of the things that everyone adds anyway, like full fenders (bamboo/leather on the Nullarbor and metal on the Cape York), a cro-moly steel rear touring-quality rack and single sided/caged clipless pedals,” Wayne said.

The Nullarbor and the Cape York will be welcome additions to the Australian bicycle market and consumers – whether tourers or commuters – will appreciate their sturdy build and affordability.

The two bikes will be available for distribution throughout Australia in July.

Hi Jammie, the smallest (extra-small) size in our first production run of Wayward touring bikes has an effective top tube length of 52.5cm, which is probably too long for someone of your height. We will look at broadening the size range in future if we think we can commercially justify the production runs of more sizes. Don't get us wrong – we *want* to do it, but we just have to see how demand develops.

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